Upper Town Council Faces Heated Debate Over Doville Liquor License and Community Concerns

The recent Upper Town Council meeting was dominated by a contentious public hearing on the renewal of a liquor license for 2011 Willard Liquor LLC, operating as Doville. Residents voiced strong objections to the removal of previous conditions tied to the license, citing ongoing violations and public safety concerns. Additionally, the meeting addressed issues related to trash collection in Osprey Cove and discussed potential rent control measures.

19:26A significant portion of the meeting focused on the Doville’s liquor license renewal. Residents, particularly from Strathmir, raised numerous complaints about the establishment’s operations, arguing that the removal of special conditions such as sound limits, live music restrictions, and mandatory security personnel had led to increased disturbances. One resident cited a lack of enforcement following violations of sound, parking, and alcohol regulations. Another resident, Dodie, highlighted unresolved planning board violations and environmental infractions, referencing a cease operations order from the New Jersey Division of Water Enforcement. She argued that the absence of conditions undermined public trust and called for their reinstatement, noting, “There was an arbitrary removal of the special conditions last renewal cycle.”

01:01:26The council was urged to reapply these conditions to facilitate enforcement and ensure community safety. Ted Kingston supported this, expressing frustration over the township’s reluctance to enforce conditions, which he suggested allowed continued non-compliance. A motion was eventually put forth to renew the liquor license with a condition requiring security guards at all entrances when alcohol is served, which passed with four members voting in favor and one abstaining.

06:33The meeting also delved into issues concerning Osprey Cove. Residents expressed dissatisfaction with the new property owner’s management, particularly regarding a 30% rent increase and inadequate trash collection. Robert Lynn, a resident, recounted an encounter with the property owner, who suggested that residents obtain insurance for trash disposal issues. The placement of dumpsters by the pool and clubhouse was another point of contention, with Moren Stall raising concerns about pest problems and safety risks due to potential gates at community entrances.

01:04:28The council acknowledged these concerns, reassuring residents of their commitment to addressing the issues. However, discussions on potential rent control revealed complexities and financial implications, with estimates of hundreds of thousands annually needed to maintain a rent board. The council noted that state-level intervention might be more appropriate.

01:19:23Trash collection and site plan compliance were recurring topics. Residents voiced confusion over trash collection conditions, questioning discrepancies based on lease agreements. The township clarified that trash collection compliance was independent of rent payment, and all residents should expect service regardless of their lease status. Concerns over non-compliance with recycling regulations and past snow removal issues were also raised.

01:17:25In response to the community’s concerns, township representatives advised residents to obtain copies of site plans through the clerk’s office to ensure clarity on obligations such as snow removal. The departure of a business administrator was also discussed, with residents seeking guidance on who to contact for issue resolution.

Note: This meeting summary was generated by AI, which can occasionally misspell names, misattribute actions, and state inaccuracies. This summary is intended to be a starting point and you should review the meeting record linked above before acting on anything you read. If we got something wrong, let us know. We’re working every day to improve our process in pursuit of universal local government transparency.

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